Latin singer MARTHA HEREDIA is facing drug smuggling charges after she was arrested at an airport in her native Dominican Republic on Wednesday (20Feb13).

The 22 year old, who found fame as the 2009 winner of Latin American Idol, was allegedly found with 2.9 pounds (1.32 kilograms) of heroin stuffed in the heels of three pairs of platform shoes as she was about to board a flight to New York.

Frank Duran, the National Drug Control Agency’s director for the city of Santiago, reveals the singer was interrogated by police to determine whether she had been working as a drug mule for a trafficking ring.

A statement issued by General Prosecutor Francisco Dominguez writes, “It’s very sad that young people who have so much promise, who were bestowed by life with all the grace in the world and an unquestionable talent, because of ambition, bad advice or simply to obtain money see themselves in situations like this.”

Heredia faces more than 10 years behind bars if convicted. (MT/WNWA/MC)